Restaurants in Gzira, Malta

Eating out in Gżira

Gżira sits between Msida and Sliema on the shore of Marsamxett Harbour. Its name means island in Maltese, after Manoel Island just offshore. The seafront, known as the Strand, looks straight across the water to Valletta, which is floodlit at night.

Gżira is less polished than its neighbour Sliema, and many visitors like it for that. The Strand is lined with casual restaurants, cafés and takeaways serving a wide range of cuisines, and it tends to feel more local.

Because it borders Sliema and Ta' Xbiex, you can easily walk between the two towns along the waterfront.

Restaurants in Gżira by cuisine

For local food, Ta' Kris on Sqaq Fawwara serves Maltese cooking. Punto has a Mediterranean menu.

Italian food is well covered by Grana, Pulcinella, Mamma Mariella and Fasta on Sir Frederick Ponsonby Street, which focuses on pasta. For Asian food, AYU The Travelers Kitchen and Yami Yabi are on the Strand, with Japanese and Thai dishes at Yami Yabi, and Jungle Joy serves Thai food. Maharaja on the seafront serves Indian food, and Ali Baba offers Lebanese dishes.

For something casual, Novi Burger, Suzie Q and the Crew Cafe' Bar on the Strand serve burgers and more, Mingles has an international menu, and Balance Bowl is a vegan option on the seafront.

With so many restaurants packed along a short stretch of seafront, Gżira is a good place to stroll and pick somewhere on the evening, much as locals do.

When to go

The Strand is pleasant at any time, but evenings are the highlight, with views of Valletta lit up across the harbour. Weekends get busy.

Gżira's parish is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and the annual festa falls on the second Sunday of July, when you can expect band marches, decorations and fireworks.

Gżira is a practical choice for good value meals if you are staying in Sliema or St Julian's.

Getting there and what to see

Gżira is on several bus routes linking Valletta with Sliema and St Julian's. Our Malta public transport guide explains tickets and routes.

Manoel Island, reached by a short bridge, holds Fort Manoel, built in 1726. The Knights built a quarantine hospital on the island in 1643, and the Royal Navy used it as a base in the Second World War. On the Strand, look out for the Ċrieki sculpture by Frans Galea. See our Gżira guide, and our Sliema guide for the neighbouring town.

Practical tips for eating out in Gżira

Malta uses the euro, and English is one of the country's two official languages, so menus and conversations are easy for UK visitors. Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for smaller cafés and kiosks, and check whether service is already included on the bill before adding a tip.

Dress is relaxed on the Strand, and casual meals are the norm. The seafront is flat, which makes it easy with buggies and for anyone who prefers to avoid hills.

Traffic along the Strand is heavy, so cross at designated crossings. Tell staff about allergies or dietary needs when you order, as many restaurants here cater to a wide mix of diets.

Frequently asked questions